Can I do the Head Gasket

[manny1973]

Question, I believe I have the tools necessary to do the head gasket but I'm not sure I have the ability to do it right. I have done a few things to my car like rebuilding the front end, brakes, etc. I have never done any major engine work and don't want to mess it up so it costs me more to correct than if I had someone do it for me.

If I do have it done in a shop, what should the cost be, just to replace the head gasket. If the head needs work I know that would be additional. It is as 72 with an e88 head.

I have read the threads on how to go about doing it but no one really talks about the dificulty of the job. I'm concerned about broken bolts, studs and the like.

[Mn_Z_Man]

Its not difficult, but it does qualify as a significant project. Major issue is getting the head off without popping out your chain tensioner, then getting the valve timing right again. Not a big deal, but you will need the Honsoweitz book the first time through. I don't know if you have to remove the manifolds and cooling stuff, but you would at least have to unhook the exhaust pipe. Personally I would take them off and replace the intake/exhaust gasket at the same time. Getting the valve timing right is important, otherwise you'll bend a valve like someone I know who did it himself the first time. Maybe someone else can address the probability of breaking studs and bolts- mine all came out OK. Make sure the head gasket is the real problem, and hope there is no other damage.

good luck

Eric

[MikeW]

It's not that difficult but you have to be careful with the tensioner as mentioned. If you're just replacing the head gasket then the timing won't change because you're not going to mess with the timing. With the tensioner properly fixed in place the chain itself won't move and when you pull the head as long as you don't turn the camshaft it will go back on exactly the same as it came off. You're right to be concerned with broken head bolts and manifold studs. Those can be a real headache. One option would be to find a fellow enthusiast in your area who's done it before and is willing to help out. The head itself can be a bit heavy for one person to remove by themselves.

[manny1973]

Well I'm going to go for it.. Hopefully things go smoothly.

[Darrel]

You should be more than able to do it. The haynes manual should have the dimensions needed for the chain tensioner keeper or you could check napa to see if they have one.

[sblake01]

I think you can do it but, then again, I think that everyone should be able to work on their car. I've always been fearless when it comes to diving into things like that even before I actually had developed the skills. I always figured that I'd get as far as I could and if I got in over my head I could always seek further help. I've been successful way more often than not. Just make sure you do as much research and gather as much info as you can before you start the job. Don't be afraid to ask questions, we're here.

Edited September 16, 2009 by sblake01

[7T1240]

Not a big deal, but you will need the Honsoweitz book the first time through.

good luck

Eric

I may be looking at head gasket replacement in the near future. Does this book contain important information not found in the FSM and the Haynes manual?

Thanks, Gary S.

[MikeW]

I may be looking at head gasket replacement in the near future. Does this book contain important information not found in the FSM and the Haynes manual?

Thanks, Gary S.

Yes, but it's not needed for just replacing the head gasket. I have a copy somewhere but it's really about modifying the engine for more performance.

http://www.amazon.com/Modify-Your-Nissan-Datsun-Engine/dp/1931128049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255380630&sr=1-1

[Mn_Z_Man]

Your're right, that is book for modifying, I meant the Monroe book about rebuilding the L-series datsun engine- my bad.